System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule according to the invention comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through. In use, the entrance filter is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/532,106, which is the national stage of PCT/NL2008/050540, filed Aug.8, 2008, which claims benefit to European Patent Application 08150807.9,filed Jan. 29, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a system for preparing a predetermined quantityof beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product,comprising an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising areceptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensingdevice for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water, under pressureto the exchangeable capsule, wherein the exchangeable capsule comprisesa circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at afirst end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second endopposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclose an innerspace comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottom comprisesan entrance area and the system is arranged for bringing the fluiddispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area forsupplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing thebeverage, and wherein the lid comprises an exit area and the systemcomprises an outlet which, in use, is in fluid communication with theexit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule andsupplying the beverage to a container such as a cup.

Such systems are known per se. A special class of these known systems isused for preparing the beverage using a hermetically sealed capsulecomprising the extractable product. During beverage preparation theentrance area of such hermetically sealed capsule is pierced, henceproviding at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid underpressure to the exchangeable product in the inner space of the capsulethrough the entrance opening. Providing the fluid under pressure to theinner space causes the pressure in the inner space of the capsule torise. This, in turn, causes the exit area of the capsule to be pressedagainst lid piercing means present in the receptacle. When the exit areais pressed against the lid piercing means with sufficient force, theexit area tears against the lid piercing means creating at least oneexit opening through which the beverage can drain from the capsule.

It has been found, however, that in the above known systems preferentialpaths of fluid flow may occur in the extractable product within thecapsule, e.g. from the at least one entrance opening to the at least oneexit opening, which may lead to undesired strength of the preparedbeverage and/or variations in strength of the prepared beverage, fromone capsule to another.

It is an object of the invention to improve the above system, and morespecifically to at least diminish the above problem.

Thereto, according to a first aspect of the invention, a system isprovided wherein the receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intendedfor piercing the entrance area of an alternative capsule, e.g. ahermetically sealed capsule of the known system, for creating at leastone entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable productthrough said at least one entrance opening, and wherein the entrancearea of the capsule of the system according to the invention comprisesan entrance filter, for supplying the fluid to the extractable productthere through, which entrance filter, in use, is positioned at adistance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of thesystem is not pierced by the bottom piercing means and the bottom staysintact.

Thus it is possible to supply the fluid to the extractable productwithin the capsule without piercing the capsule. Thus, the entrancefilter forms an, optionally uniform, entrance area through which thefluid can be supplied to the capsule. This provides the advantage thatit is possible for the beverage to enter the capsule over a larger areathan when entrance openings are pierced in the known systems, thusdiminishing the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in theextractable product in the capsule and enhancing the reproducibility ofthe beverage strength.

Further, it has been found that providing the entrance filter reducesthe risk of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule whenremoving the capsule from the apparatus.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule comprises an amount of extractableproduct, and thus is suitable and intended, for preparing a singleportion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage, e.g.from 30-200 ml of the prepared beverage. The exchangeable capsule, thus,is a single-portion-pack. In an embodiment, the capsule comprises 4-8grams, preferably approximately 7 grams of extractable product, e.g.roasted and ground coffee.

Preferably, the exchangeable capsule is disposable after single use.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system is providedwherein the receptacle comprises lid piercing means intended forpiercing the exit area of an alternative capsule, e.g. a hermeticallysealed capsule of the known system, when the exit area sufficientlypresses against the lid piercing means under the influence of thepressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule for creating atleast one exit opening through which the beverage can drain from thealternative capsule, and wherein the exit area of the capsule of thesystem according to the invention comprises an exit filter, throughwhich the beverage can drain from the capsule of the system according tothe invention, wherein the lid piercing means and the exit filter areadapted to each other such that the capsule of the system, in use, isnot pierced by the lid piercing means and the lid stays intact.

Thus, the exit filter forms a, optionally uniform, exit area throughwhich the beverage can leave the capsule. This provides the advantagethat it is possible for the beverage to leave the capsule over a largerarea than when exit openings are formed by piercing the lid, thusdiminishing the risk of preferential fluid paths occurring in theextractable product in the capsule and enhancing the reproducibility ofthe beverage strength. Further, the capsule not being pierced by the lidpiercing means, and staying intact, provides the advantage that apredetermined pore and/or exit hole size and distribution of the exitfilter, defining exit openings of the exit filter, remains intact, sothat the size and distribution of exit openings does not depend onchance, as when the exit openings are formed by piercing.

Moreover, it has been found that providing the exit filter reduces therisk of extractable product remains spilling from the capsule whenremoving the capsule from the apparatus.

Further, if the extractable product is roasted and ground coffee,providing the exit filter provides the advantage that the exit filtermay filter oils from the beverage, i.e. from the coffee, beforesupplying the coffee to the container, such as the cup. This may beadvantageous to remove oils from the coffee which adversely affect thetaste and/or quality of the coffee. It is especially advantageous tofilter cafestol from the coffee, since cafestol is understood to raisethe blood cholesterol content. Thus, providing the exit filter mayimprove the quality of the coffee with respect to consumer health.

Preferably, the exit filter is adapted to the lid piercing means, suchthat the capsule of the system, in use, is not pierced by the lidpiercing means and the lid stays intact. Hence, only parameters of theexit filter need be chosen.

Preferably the exit filter has a sufficiently high tear strength and/orforming a sufficiently low flow resistance that the capsule of thesystem, in use, is not pierced by the lid piercing means and the lidstays intact. It has been found that the exit filter having thesufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flowresistance does not tear against the lid piercing means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the capsule may beprovided with both the entrance filter and the exit filter as describedabove. Hence, in use, the capsule is not pierced by the bottom piercingmeans, nor the lid piercing means, so that the capsule remains fullyintact. This provides the advantage that the risk of preferential fluidpaths occurring in the extractable product in the capsule and thereproducibility of the beverage strength is enhanced even more.

Preferably, the entrance filter is formed by a porous sheet, such as offiltering paper, a foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with aplurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openingsprovided in the bottom of the capsule of the system. Hence, the entrancefilter can be provided in a simple manner.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings is distributed oversubstantially the entire surface of the foil or the bottom,respectively. This provides the advantage that the fluid can be suppliedto substantially the entire cross section of the inner space. Hence, theextractable product is wetted very homogeneously.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of entrance openings comprisesside-entrance openings arranged in the circumferential wall. Thisprovides the advantage that the extractable product is, at leastpartially, also wetted from the side. This provides that advantage thatthe fluid can be supplied to the extractable product in a veryhomogeneous and controlled manner.

Preferably, the exit filter is formed by a porous sheet, such as offiltering paper, or a foil, such as a polymeric film, provided with aplurality of entrance openings, or a plurality of entrance openingsprovided in the lid. Hence, the entrance filter can be provided in asimple manner. Also, parameters of the exit filter can be easily chosento provide the exit filter having the sufficiently high tear strengthand/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance.

For instance, in an embodiment, the exit filter may be formed by a sheetof filtering paper. The filtering paper provides the low-cost exitfilter. Moreover, parameters of the filtering paper, such as density,thickness and/or PE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exitfilter having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming thesufficiently low flow resistance. In an alternative preferredembodiment, the exit filter may be formed by a polymeric film providedwith a plurality of exit openings. Parameters of the polymeric foil,such as density, thickness, number of exit openings, size and/or shapeof exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter havingthe sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently lowflow resistance.

In an embodiment, the lid piercing means may have a blunt piercingsurface. In such embodiment, the alternative capsule may, nevertheless,be pierced by the blunt piercing means, while the capsule of the systemaccording to the invention has the exit filter having the sufficientlyhigh tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistancenot to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means comprises at least one ridgeagainst which the lid, in use, abuts. The at least one ridge may form atleast 10%, possibly at least 25% of the portion of the surface of thereceptacle which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surface areaof the lid overlying the second, open, end. In use, the lid maysupported by the at least one ridge over at least 10%, preferably atleast 25% of the portion the surface area of the lid overlying thesecond, open, end. The lid of the alternative capsule may be pierced bysuch piercing means, whereas parameters of the exit filter of thecapsule of the system according to the invention may easily be chosensuch that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/orforming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means and/or the at least one ridgecomprises edges, wherein the edges are not sharp. Possibly, the edgeshave a radius of curvature of at least 50 μm, preferably at least 100μm. The lid of the alternative capsule may be pierced by such piercingmeans, whereas parameters of the exit filter of the capsule of thesystem according to the invention may easily be chosen such that theexit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming thesufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

In an embodiment, the plurality of exit openings is distributed oversubstantially the entire surface of the lid. This provides the advantagethat the beverage can be drained from the capsule over substantially theentire cross section of the inner space. Hence, the beverage can flowout of the inner space very homogeneously.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the entire inner spaceis occupied by the extractable product. This provides the advantage thatthe extractable product cannot be displaced inside the inner space whenthe fluid flows through the capsule, so that no preferential paths canbe formed.

Preferably, the bottom is integral with the circumferential wall. Thisprovides the advantage that the capsule can simply be formed from agenerally cup-shaped structure forming the circumferential wall and thebottom and a, e.g. sheet-shaped, lid. The lid may be connected to thecircumferential wall, e.g. by means of gluing, welding, folding or thelike.

In an embodiment the capsule comprises an inwardly extending rim at thefirst end, wherein the bottom is attached to the inwardly extending rim.Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet-shaped, bottomcomprising the entrance filter to the rim. Thus, a simple constructionof the capsule may be obtained. It is also possible that the capsulecomprises an inwardly extending rim at the second end, wherein the lidis attached to the inwardly extending rim.

In an embodiment the capsule comprises an outwardly extending rim at thesecond end, wherein the lid is attached to the outwardly extending rim.Hence it is possible to connect the, e.g. sheet-shaped, lid comprisingthe exit filter to the rim. Thus, a simple construction of the capsulemay be obtained. It is also possible that the capsule comprises anoutwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottom is attachedto the outwardly extending rim.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a bottom seal atleast partially removable connected to the bottom for sealing theentrance filter prior to use. Hence entering of air into the inner spacevia the entrance filter prior to use of the capsule may be prevented,improving shelf life of the product inside the capsule.

In a special embodiment, the capsule further comprises a lid seal atleast partially removable connected to the lid for sealing the exitfilter prior to use. Hence entering of air into the inner space via theexit filter prior to use of the capsule may be prevented, improvingshelf life of the product inside the capsule.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the lid seal isarranged. to be partially released from the lid under the effect offluid pressure in the inner space, while remaining attached to the lidat at least one position. Hence, the lid seal need not be removed fromthe capsule by a user of the capsule. When the fluid enters the innerspace pressure will build up until the seal partially releases from thelid and the beverage can flow out through the exit filter. Thereleasable connection may e.g. be formed as a so-called peel-seal. Sincethe lid seal is permanently attached to the lid at at least oneposition, the lid seal will not fully detach from the capsule. This hasthe advantage, that the lid seal will automatically be discarded fromthe apparatus when discarding the used capsule.

In general, the circumferential wall may be formed by a flexible,optionally porous, sheet or foil, such as filtering paper, preferablyintegral with the bottom. Hence, a very simple and optionallyenvironmentally friendly capsule may be provided.

Alternatively, the circumferential wall may substantially rigid. Thisprovides that advantage that the capsule is not prone to be deformedprior to use, so that the capsule can fit into the receptacle withoutproblems. Preferably, the capsule comprises stiffening ribs integralwith the circumferential wall and/or bottom to increase the rigidity ofthe capsule.

In general, the circumferential wall may have any shape such ascylindrical, hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such ashexagonal or octagonal.

Preferably, the extractable product comprises roasted and ground coffee.Thus, the capsule is suited for preparing a predetermined amount ofcoffee by supplying a predetermined amount of hot water under pressureto the capsule.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extractable productis compacted into a tablet. This provides the advantage that the risk ofpreferential flow paths occurring in the compacted extractable producttablet is reduced. It will be appreciated that when using the compactedtablet, the bottom may be omitted from the capsule, as the risk ofspilling extractable product is greatly reduced.

Preferably, the tablet comprises at least one bore extending from theside of the tablet facing the entrance area in the direction of the lid.The bore thus provides an infusion means for wetting the tablet in ahomogeneous manner.

It is also possible that the extractable product is compacted into aplurality of tablets, preferably of mutually different packing density.It is for instance possible that the extractable product is provided asa single stack of tablets having mutually different degrees ofcompacting. It is for instance possible that the degree of compactingincreases per tablet in the direction from the bottom to the lid. Inthis way the effort to completely wet a tablet will also increase in thedirection from the bottom to the lid, insuring that each upstream tablethas been properly wetted when wetting a more downstream tablet, thusproviding very homogeneous wetting of the total volume of extractableproduct.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage and acapsule for preparing a beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a-1c shows a prior art system for preparing a beverage;

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a system according to the invention;

FIGS. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules according to the invention;

FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c show examples of further embodiments of a capsule 2according to the invention; and

FIGS. 5a and 5b show examples of even further embodiments of a capsuleaccording to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1a-1c show a prior art system 101 for preparing a predeterminedquantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractableproduct. The system 101 comprises an exchangeable capsule 102, and anapparatus 104. The apparatus 104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holdingthe exchangeable capsule 102. In FIGS. 1a-1c a gap is drawn between thecapsule 102 and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciatedthat, in use, the capsule 102 may lie in contact with the receptacle106. Commonly, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to the shapeof the capsule 102. The apparatus 104 further comprises a fluiddispensing device 108 for supplying an amount of a fluid, such as water,under a pressure, of e.g. 9 bars, to the exchangeable capsule 102.

In the system 101 shown in FIGS. 1a-1c , the exchangeable capsule 102comprises a circumferential wall 110, a bottom 112 closing thecircumferential wall 110 at a first end 114, and a lid 116 closing thecircumferential wall 110 at a second end 118 opposite the bottom 112.The circumferential wall 110, the bottom 112 and the lid 116 enclose aninner space 120 comprising the extractable product.

The system 101 of FIGS. 1a-1c comprises bottom piercing means 122intended for piercing the capsule 102. FIG. 1a shows the bottom piercingmeans 122 in a retracted position. FIG. 1b shows the bottom piercingmeans 122 in an extended position for creating an entrance opening 124in the bottom 112 for supplying the fluid to the extractable productthrough the entrance opening 124. In FIGS. 1a-1c the piercing means 122comprise a bore 126 through which the fluid can be supplied to theextractable product contained in the inner space 120. The system 101 ofFIGS. 1a-1c further comprises lid piercing means 128, here embodied asprotrusions, intended for piercing the lid 116 of the capsule 102.

The system 101 shown in FIGS. 1a-1c is operated as follows for preparinga cup of coffee, wherein the extractable product is roasted and groundcoffee.

The capsule 102 is placed in the receptacle 106 (see FIG. 1a ). Thebottom piercing means are activated to pierce the bottom 112 of thecapsule 102 (see FIG. 1b ) for creating the entrance opening 124. Thefluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied to the extractableproduct in the inner space 120 through the entrance opening 124. Thewater will wet the coffee grounds and extract the desired substances toform the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 120, thepressure inside the capsule 102 will rise. The rise in pressure willcause the lid 116 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercingmeans 128. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the tear strengthof the lid 116 will be surpassed and the lid will rupture against thelid piercing means 128, creating exit openings 130 (see FIG. 1c ). Theprepared coffee will drain from the capsule 102 through the exitopenings 130 and outlets 132 of the receptacle 106, and may be suppliedto a container such as a cup (not shown).

During preparation of the beverage in the system 101 shown in FIGS.1a-1c preferential flow paths may exist in the extractable productinside the inner space 120 of the capsule 102. These preferential pathsmay extend from the entrance opening 124 to the exit openings 130. Onesuch possible preferential path is indicated with line PP in FIG. 1 c.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a first embodiment of a system 1 according tothe invention for preparing a predetermined quantity of beveragesuitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system 1comprises an exchangeable capsule 2, and an apparatus 104. The apparatus104 comprises a receptacle 106 for holding the exchangeable capsule 2.In this example, the receptacle 106 has a shape complementary to theshape of the capsule 2. In FIG. 2 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2and the receptacle 106 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, in use,the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the receptacle 106. The apparatus104 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 108 for supplying anamount of a fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeablecapsule 2.

In the system 1 shown in FIG. 2, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises acircumferential wall 10, a bottom 12 closing the circumferential wall 10at a first end 14, and a lid 16 closing the circumferential wall 10 at asecond end 18 opposite the bottom 12. The circumferential wall 10, thebottom 12 and the lid 16 enclose an inner space 20 comprising theextractable product. In this example, the exchangeable capsule 2comprises an amount of extractable product suitable for preparing asingle portion of the beverage, preferably a single cup of the beverage,e.g. from 30-200 ml of the prepared beverage. The exchangeable capsule,thus, is a single-portion-pack.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the system 1 of FIG. 2comprises bottom piercing means 122 intended for piercing the prior artcapsule 102 as shown in FIGS. 1a-1c . FIG. 2 shows the bottom piercingmeans in an extended position, intended for creating the entranceopening 124 in the bottom 112 of the prior art capsule 102. According tothe invention, the capsule 2 comprises an entrance filter 34 which ispositioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means 12, such thatthe capsule 2 is not pierced by the bottom piercing means 122 and thebottom 12 stays intact when the bottom piercing means is brought in theextended position.

In FIG. 2 the piercing means 122 comprise a bore 126 through which thefluid is supplied to an inner space of the receptacle 106. The fluid,here hot water under a pressure of e.g. more than 6 bars, will flowthrough the entrance filter 34 into the inner space 20 of the capsule 2for extracting desired substances from the extractable product, in thisexample approximately 7 grams of roasted and ground coffee, forpreparing, in this example the single cup of the beverage, here coffee.

Thus, more in general, in the example of FIG. 2, the bottom 12 comprisesan entrance area, formed by the entrance filter 34, and the system 1 isarranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device 108 in fluidconnection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to theextractable product for preparing the beverage.

In the example of FIG. 2, the circumferential wall 10 is substantiallyrigid. The circumferential wall may e.g. comprise a plastics materialand may be formed by e.g. injection moulding, vacuum-forming,thermoforming or the like. In the example of FIG. 2 the bottom 12 isintegral with the circumferential wall. In this example the entrancefilter 34 is formed by a plurality of entrance openings 24 in the bottom12. In this example the plurality of entrance openings 24 is distributedover substantially the entire bottom 12. Thus, the fluid is supplied tothe extractable product via the plurality of entrance openings 24, whichcauses the extractable product to be wetted over substantially theentire cross section of the capsule 2. Hence, a very homogeneous supplyof fluid to the extractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk ofoccurrence of preferential paths via which the fluid flows through theextractable product is greatly reduced.

According to a second aspect of the invention, which may be practiced inaddition to the above described first aspect or separate thereof, thesystem 1 of FIG. 2 comprises lid piercing means 128 intended forpiercing the lid 116 of the prior art capsule 102 when the lid 116sufficiently presses against the lid piercing means 128 under theinfluence of the pressure of the fluid and/or beverage in the capsule102 for creating at least one exit opening 130 through which thebeverage can drain from the prior art capsule 102. According to theinvention, the capsule 2 comprises an exit filter 36, through which thebeverage can drain from the capsule 2. The exit filter 36 is arranged tohaving a sufficiently high tear strength not to be pierced by the lidpiercing means 128 under the influence of the pressure inside thecapsule 2. Alternatively, or additionally, the exit filter 36 forms asufficiently low flow resistance for the beverage exiting the capsule 2,that the exit filter 36 is not pressed against the lid piercing means128 with sufficient force to be pierced by the lid piercing means 128and the lid stays intact. Hence, the exit filter 36 is adapted to thelid piercing means 128 such that the capsule 2, in use, is not piercedby the lid piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact. More ingeneral it applies that the exit filter 36 and the lid piercing means128 are adapted to each other such that the capsule 2, in use, is notpierced by the lid piercing means 128 and the lid 16 stays intact.

In the example of FIG. 2 the exit filter 36, forming an exit area of thecapsule 2, through which the beverage, here coffee, can drain from thecapsule, is formed by a porous sheet, such as filter paper. In thisexample the entire lid 16 is formed as the exit filter 36. In theexample of FIG. 2, the capsule 2 comprises an outwardly extending rim 38at the second end 18, wherein the lid 16 is attached to the outwardlyextending rim 38, e.g. by gluing, welding or the like. Hence, in thisexample the exit filter 36, i.e. the porous sheet, is attached to theoutwardly extending rim 38.

In this example the exit filter 36 forms a substantially continuousfluid-permeable sheet spanning substantially the entire second, open end18 of the capsule 2. Thus, the fluid can drain from the capsule 2 over alarge area. Hence, a very homogeneous drain of beverage from theextractable product is obtained. Thus, the risk of occurrence ofpreferential paths via which the fluid flows through the extractableproduct is greatly reduced.

In general, parameters of the exit filter of the capsule 2 of the system1 according to the invention can be chosen such that the exit filterdoes not tear or rupture, e.g. has the sufficiently high tear strengthand/or forming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced ortorn. It will be appreciated that the lid and/or the exit filter maydeform against the lid piercing means, although it will not rupture orbe torn. When the exit filter 36 is e.g. made of filtering paper,parameters of the filtering paper, such as density, thickness and/orPE-content, can easily be chosen to provide the exit filter having thesufficiently high tear strength and/or forming the sufficiently low flowresistance. Alternatively, when the exit filter 36 is e.g. formed by apolymeric film provided with a plurality of exit openings, parameters ofthe polymeric foil, such as density, thickness, number of exit openings,size and/or shape of exit openings, can easily be chosen to provide thethird wall having the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forming thesufficiently low flow resistance.

In the example of FIG. 2, the lid piercing means 128 are shown havingsharp toothed points intended for piercing the lid. It will beappreciated that, alternatively, the lid piercing means 128 may haveblunt piercing surfaces, e.g. as indicated with dashed lines in FIG. 2.In such embodiment, the prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, bepierced by the blunt piercing means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consistsof a sheet of aluminium foil. Parameters of the exit filter of thecapsule 2 of the system according to the invention can be chosen suchthat the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/orforms the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. Itwill be appreciated that when the lid piercing means are blunt, theparameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit these blunt piercingmeans. When the piercing means are blunt, the exit filter may e.g. bethinner than when the lid piercing means are sharp, while guaranteeingthat the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/orforming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is possible that the lid piercing means comprise ridges against whichthe lid, in use, abuts. Such ridges may be formed by the blunt piercingmeans 128 as shown with dashed lines in FIG. 2. The ridges may e.g. format least 10%, possibly at least 25% of the portion of the surface of thereceptacle 106 which, in use, coincides with the portion of the surfacearea of the lid 16 overlying the second, open, end 18. Hence, in use,the lid 16 may be supported by the ridges over, e.g. at least 10%,preferably at least 25%, of the portion the surface area of the lid 16overlying the second, open, end 18. As already indicated, the lid 116 ofthe prior art capsule 102 may be pierced by such ridges, whereasparameters of the exit filter 36 of the capsule 2 of the system 1according to the invention may easily be chosen such that the exitfilter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/or forms thesufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn. It will beappreciated that when the lid piercing means comprise ridges, theparameters of the exit filter may be chosen to suit such lid piercingmeans.

In the example of FIG. 2, the ridges comprise edges which are not sharp.In this example a radius of curvature of the edges is approximately 50μm, although other radii are conceivable, such as 100, 200 or 500 μm.The prior art capsule 102 may, nevertheless, be pierced by the bluntpiercing means 128, e.g. when the lid 116 consists of a sheet ofaluminium foil. It will be appreciated that when the lid piercing meanscomprise non-sharp edges, the parameters of the exit filter may bechosen to suit such lid piercing means. Parameters of the exit filter ofthe capsule 2 of the system according to the invention can be chosensuch that the exit filter has the sufficiently high tear strength and/orforming the sufficiently low flow resistance not to be pierced or torn.

It is also possible that the ridges of the lid piercing means 128 have aconvex top against which the lid 16 abuts. Hence, when the lid, in use,is pressed against the ridges, the surface area over which the lid issupported by the ridges increases, thus reducing the local pressureexerted on the lid by the ridges. Thus it is possible to provide, in aneasy manner, that the lid, in use, does not tear and/or rupture andstays intact.

FIGS. 3a-3d show embodiments of capsules 2 according to the invention.

In FIG. 3a the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall 10like in FIG. 2. The entrance filter 34 is formed by the plurality ofentrance openings 24 in the bottom 12. The exit filter 36 is formed by afoil 40, e.g. a flexible polymeric foil, provided with a plurality ofexit openings 30.

In FIG. 3b the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet,such as filter paper, like in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3b the entrance filter 34is also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filter paper. In thisexample the entrance filter is attached to an inwardly extending rim 42.In this example, the entrance filter 34 is attached to the inner side ofthe inwardly extending rim 42. This maximizes the internal volume of thecapsule 2, as the rim thickness is not present in the inner space 20 ofthe capsule 2.

In FIG. 3c the exit filter 36 is formed by the flexible porous sheet,such as filter paper, like in FIGS. 2 and 3 b. In FIG. 3c the entrancefilter 34 is also formed by a flexible porous sheet, such as filterpaper. In this example, the entrance filter 34 is attached to the outerside of the inwardly extending rim 42. Hence, the risk is reduced thatthe fluid under pressure tears the entrance filter 34 from the inwardlyextending rim 42. It is possible that the entrance filter 34 overhangs acircumferential edge of the bottom. Hence, a larger surface area isavailable for attaching the entrance filter 34 to the bottom 12 and thecircumferential wall 10, resulting in a stronger bond.

In FIG. 3d the exit filter 36 is formed by a foil 40, e.g. a flexiblepolymeric foil, provided with a plurality of exit openings 30, as inFIG. 3a . In FIG. 3d the entrance filter 34 is also formed by a foil 44,provided with the plurality of entrance openings 24.

In all embodiments of FIGS. 3a-3d the exit filter is formed by aflexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments ofFIGS. 3a-3d the lid is solely formed by the flexible sheet-shapedmaterial. It has been found that in general no supporting structure,such as a substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of the exit foil, isrequired to support the exit foil to prevent the exit foil from tearingan/or rupturing.

In all embodiments of FIGS. 3b-3d the entrance filter is formed by aflexible sheet-shaped material. More specifically, in all embodiments ofFIGS. 3b-3d the entrance area is solely formed by the flexiblesheet-shaped material. It has been found that in general no supportingstructure, such as a substantially rigid grid, e.g. downstream of theentrance foil, is required to support the entrance foil to prevent theentrance foil from tearing an/or rupturing.

In all embodiments of FIGS. 3a-3d the exit filter forms the outermostboundary of the capsule in the axial direction thereof.

It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may comprise any entrancefilter according to any one of the shown embodiments in combination withany exit filter according to any one of the shown embodiments. Althoughnot shown, it is possible that the lid comprises a substantially rigidwall provided with the exit openings 30.

In general, the exit openings 30, or pores of the porous sheet, aredimensioned such that a dimension of the opening 30 or pore issufficiently small to retain the extractable product, such as groundcoffee, inside the capsule 2. Also in general, the entrance openings 24,or pores of the porous sheet, are dimensioned such that a dimension ofthe opening 24 or pore is sufficiently small to retain the extractableproduct, such as ground coffee, inside the capsule 2.

In general, the entrance openings 24 are preferably distributed oversubstantially the entire surface of the bottom or the foil 44, at leastsubstantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the inwardlyextending rim 42. Optionally, entrance openings 24 are also present inthe circumferential wall 10, e.g. in the portion of the circumferentialwall 10 near the first end 14. This allows homogeneous supply of thefluid to the extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In general, the exit openings 30 are preferably distributed oversubstantially the entire surface of the lid or the foil 40, at leastsubstantially the entire surface of the opening defined by the outwardlyextending rim 38. This allows homogeneous draining of the beverage fromthe extractable product inside the capsule 2.

In the examples of FIGS. 2, 3 a-3 d the entrance openings 24 and exitopenings 30 have a circular cross section. The openings 24, 30 withcircular cross section are easily manufactured. Optionally the crosssection of the entrance openings 24 tapers (narrows) towards the innerspace 20. This provides the advantage that the entrance openings act asnozzles that cause a jet of fluid to enter the inner space 20.

It will be appreciated that the entrance openings 24 and/or exitopenings 30 may also have alternative shapes. The openings 24,30 may forinstance have the shape of elongate slits. Preferably, the smalldimension of the slits is sufficiently small to retain the extractableproduct inside the capsule 2.

In a special embodiment, the slits may have a shape that defines atongue in the plane of the bottom. The slits may then be substantiallyU-shaped, such as semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped, rectangular orV-shaped. This has the advantage that the tongue may be bent out of theplane of the bottom under the effect of the flow of fluid through theopening defined by the tongue. Thus, a larger volume flow of fluid maybe attained. If the bottom is made of a resilient material, the tonguewill bend back into the plane of the bottom once the flow of fluidstops, thus preventing the spilling of extractable product (prior toand) after preparation of the beverage. It will be appreciated thatslits defining a tongue may be applied in the lid mutatis mutandis.

FIG. 4a shows an example of a further embodiment of a capsule 2according to the invention. FIG. 4a shows a modification of the capsuleshown in FIG. 3a . It will be appreciated that this modification may beapplied to any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove. In the example of FIG.4a the capsule 2 further comprises a bottom seal 46. The bottom seal 46closes off the entrance openings 24 (or the porous sheet) prior to use.The bottom seal 46 is at least partially removable connected to thebottom 12. In this example the bottom seal 46 comprises a lip 48 toallow easy removal of the bottom seal 46 by a user of the capsule 2. InFIG. 4a the capsule 2 further comprises a lid seal 50. The lid seal 50closes off the exit openings 30 (or the porous sheet) prior to use. Thelid seal 50 is at least partially removable connected to the lid 16. Inthis example the lid seal 50 comprises a lip 52 to allow easy removal ofthe lid seal 50 by a user of the capsule 2. The bottom seal 46 and lidseal 50 improve shelf life of the product inside the capsule bypreventing air to enter the capsule via the openings 24,30 or poroussheet.

In a special embodiment (not shown) the lip 46 of the bottom seal 46 isconnected to the lip 52 of the lid seal 50. Thus, the bottom seal 46 andthe lid seal 50 can be made unitary. Hence, it may be prevented that auser accidentally forgets to remove one of the bottom seal and the lidseal.

FIGS. 4b and 4c shows an example of a plan view of a further embodimentof the capsule 2 when viewed from the side of the lid 16. In FIGS. 4band 4c the capsule comprises the lid seal 50. The lid seal 50 isattached to the lid 16 with a releasable seal 54. In this example thereleasable seal forms a circumferential seal adjacent a circumferentialedge of the lid 16. The releasable seal 54 is arranged to be releasedfrom the lid 16 under the effect of fluid pressure in the inner space20. The releasable seal may e.g. be a peel-seal of predeterminedrelease-strength. Hence, it is not required that the user removes thelid seal 50 from the capsule 2, as the seal is opened automaticallywhile preparing the beverage.

In FIGS. 4b and 4c the lid seal 50 is further attached to the lid 16with a permanent connection 56. The permanent connection may e.g. be aglued or welded connection. In FIG. 4b the permanent connection ispositioned adjacent the centre of the lid. In FIG. 4c the permanentconnection 56 is positioned adjacent the circumferential edge of thelid. This provides the advantage that the releasable seal may bereleased under the effect of pressure for allowing the draining of thebeverage from the capsule, while the lid seal 50 remains attached to thelid 16 at at least one position. Hence, the lid seal 50 need not bediscarded separately, improving ease of use, and cannot be lost.

It will be appreciated that instead of, or in addition to, beingattached to the lid, the lid seal 50 may also be attached to the rimpositioned near the second end 18, and/or to the circumferential wall14.

It will be appreciated that the capsule 2 may in a similar wayalternatively, or additionally be provided with the bottom seal 46, e.g.positioned on the inner side of the bottom 12, arranged to be releasedfrom the bottom 12 under the effect of pressure of fluid supplied to thecapsule 2, and optionally provided with at least one permanentconnection between the bottom and the bottom seal 46. It will beappreciated that instead of, or in addition to, being attached to thebottom 12, the bottom seal 46 may also be attached to the rim positionednear the first end 14, and/or to the circumferential wall 14.

It will also be appreciated that the lid seal 50 and/or the bottom seal46 may also be used in conjunction with alternative capsules, whereinthe lid does not form an outermost boundary of the capsule in the axialdirection thereof, e.g. a capsule having an axially extending rimextending beyond the lid.

Preferably, the circumferential wall is substantially rigid. Hence, thecapsule will not be prone to deform by shipping and/or handling, so thatthe capsule 2 will always fit in the receptacle 106. In addition, thecircumferential wall is preferably resilient, so that any possibledeformation of the circumferential first wall will be reversed once theforce causing the deformation is removed. In order to improve rigidityof the capsule 2, the capsule 2 may comprise stiffening ribs integralwith the circumferential wall 10. The stiffening ribs may extend fromthe first end 14 towards the second end 18. Alternatively, oradditionally, the stiffening ribs may extend in a circumferentialdirection. When the bottom 12 is integral with the circumferential wall10, the stiffening ribs may also be integral with the bottom 12.

Nevertheless, it is possible that the circumferential wall is formed bya flexible, e.g. porous, sheet or foil, preferably integral with thebottom. Hence, substantially the entire capsule may be manufactured ofthe flexible sheet, reducing the amount of material required forproviding the capsule. Optionally, the outwardly extending rim may besubstantially rigid to enhance ease of handling of the capsule.

In the examples the circumferential wall is substantially frustoconical.It will be appreciated that the capsule according to the invention isnot limited to this shape. The circumferential wall may e.g. becylindrical, hemispherical, or polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal,etc.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extractable productin the inner space 20 is compacted. FIG. 5a shows an example wherein theextractable product is compacted into a plurality of, in this examplefour, tablets 58,60,62,64. In FIG. 5a the tablets are stacked inside theinner space 20. In FIG. 5a , each tablet 58,60,62,64 spans substantiallythe entire cross section of the capsule 2. In this example a density,i.e. a degree of compaction, of the tablets is different for each of thetablets. The density of the tablets 58,60,62,64 increases in thedirection from the bottom 12 to the lid 16. This provides the advantagethat the fluid will more easily wet a tablet of lower density than atablet of higher density, so that each upstream tablet is properlywetted while the water wets a subsequent downstream tablet. Thus, highlyhomogeneous wetting of the extractable product is achieved. Although theexample shows four stacked tablets, it will be appreciated that anynumber of tablets may be used.

FIG. 5b shows an example of a capsule 2 comprising a single tablet 66 ofcompacted extractable product. In the example of FIG. 5b the tablet 66comprises bores 68 extending into the tablet 66 from the side of thetablet 66 facing the bottom 12 in the direction of the lid 16. Thelength of the bores 68 is shorter than the thickness of the tablet 66 inthe direction along the bore 68. Thus, the bores 68 do not form shortcutpassages for the fluid through the tablet 66, but provide the fluid apassage into the core of the tablet 66. These bores allow apredetermined penetration of the fluid into the tablet. Thus, apreferred wetting of the compacted extractable product may be obtained.

In the examples of FIGS. 5a and 5b the entrance filter 34 and exitfilter 36 of the capsule are substantially as shown in FIG. 3c . It willbe appreciated that the tablet 66 or plurality of tablets 58,60,62,64may be used in conjunction with any capsule 2 referred to hereinabove.It will also be appreciated that if the extractable product is compactedinto the tablet(s) the bottom 12 of the capsule is not strictlyrequired, since the extractable product is not likely to spill from thecapsule prior to use.

It will be appreciated that the capsules 2 referred to hereinabove mayalso be used in alternative apparatus for preparing the beverage, forinstance in apparatus not provided with the bottom piercing means and/ornot provided with the lid piercing means.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

It is for instance possible that the capsule 2 is contained in anair-tight wrapping prior to use to improve shelf-life.

It is also possible that the bottom comprises a recessed area forreceiving the bottom piercing means without the bottom being pierced,for increasing the capsule volume.

In above examples, the exit filter forms the lid. It is also possiblethat the exit filter forms part of the lid. The lid may for instance bepartially porous and/or partially perforate.

In above examples, the entrance filter forms the bottom. It is alsopossible that the entrance filter forms part of the bottom. The bottommay for instance be partially porous and/or partially perforate.

However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are alsopossible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, tobe regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does notexclude the presence of other features or steps then those listed in aclaim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed aslimited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, anddo not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

What is claimed is:
 1. A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantityof beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product,comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferentialwall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at asecond end opposite the bottom, wherein the wall, bottom and lid enclosean inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the bottomcomprises an entrance area arranged for supplying there through a fluidunder pressure to the extractable product for preparing the beverage,wherein the entrance area of the capsule comprises an entrance filterfor supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through,wherein the entrance filter is formed by a plurality of openingsprovided in the bottom of the capsule, wherein the lid comprises an exitarea formed by a foil for draining there through the prepared beveragefrom the capsule, wherein the exit area comprises an exit filter throughwhich the beverage can drain from the capsule, wherein the exit filteris formed by a plurality of exit openings provided in the foil; andwherein the capsule further comprises a lid seal at least partiallyremovably connected to the lid for sealing the exit filter prior to use.2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the entrance area of the capsulecomprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractableproduct there through.
 3. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof entrance openings is distributed over substantially the entiresurface of the foil or the bottom, respectively.
 4. The capsule of claim1, wherein the entrance openings have a circular cross section.
 5. Thecapsule of claim 1, wherein the entrance openings are slits.
 6. Thecapsule of claim 1, wherein the entrance openings are arranged to openunder pressure.
 7. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the exit filter formsan outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. 8.The capsule of claim 1, wherein the plurality of exit openings isdistributed over substantially the entire surface of the lid.
 9. Thecapsule of claim 1, wherein the entire inner space is occupied by theextractable product.
 10. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsulecomprises an inwardly extending rim at the first end, wherein the bottomis attached to the inwardly extending rim.
 11. The capsule of claim 10,wherein the entrance filter is attached to the inwardly extending rim.12. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises an outwardlyextending rim at the second end, wherein the lid is attached to theoutwardly extending rim.
 13. The capsule of claim 12, wherein the exitfilter is attached to the outwardly extending rim.
 14. The capsule ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom extends to the circumferential first wall.15. The capsule of claim 14, wherein the entrance filter extends to thecircumferential first wall.
 16. The capsule of claim 2, wherein thecapsule further comprises a bottom seal at least partially removableconnected to the bottom for sealing the entrance filter prior to use.17. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the lid seal is arranged to bepartially released from the lid under the effect of fluid pressure inthe inner space, while remaining attached to the lid at at least oneposition.
 18. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wallis formed by a sheet or foil, preferably integral with the bottom. 19.The capsule of claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall is cylindrical,hemispherical, frustoconical or polygonal, such as hexagonal oroctagonal.
 20. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the extractable productcomprises roasted and ground coffee.
 21. The capsule of claim 1, whereinthe extractable product is compacted into a tablet.
 22. The capsule ofclaim 21, wherein the tablet comprises at least one bore extending fromthe side of the tablet facing the entrance area in the direction of thelid.
 23. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the extractable product iscompacted into a plurality of tablets, preferably of mutually differentpacking density.
 24. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the lid extends tothe circumferential first wall.
 25. The capsule of claim 14, wherein theexit filter extends to the circumferential first wall.
 26. The capsuleof claim 16, wherein the bottom seal comprises a lip, the lid sealcomprises a lip, and the lip of the bottom seal is connected to the lipof the lid seal.
 27. The capsule of claim 16, wherein the bottom sealand the lid seal are made unitary.